Charles L. Ruckman, age 75 of Topeka, Kansas and formerly of Illinois, passed away Tuesday, March 6, 2018.
He was born April 15, 1942, in Xenia, Illinois, the son of Ivan and Irma (Anderson) Ruckman. Charles graduated from North Clay Community High School in Louisville, Illinois and received a Bachelor’s Degree in Agricultural Industries from the University of Illinois. He served in the Illinois National Guard. Charles was a statistician with the US Department of Agriculture (NASS) for 32 years, retiring in 1997. He was a member of Prince of Peace Lutheran Church, where he and his wife volunteered as a marriage mentor couple. He also volunteered as a youth counselor at Hope Lutheran Church, Boy Scouts of America and Meals on Wheels.
Charles married Linda Goebel on October 7, 1967, at St. Paul's Lutheran Church in Wheeler, Illinois. She preceded him in death on August 2, 2003. Survivors include two sons, Robert Ruckman and his wife, Melinda of Birmingham, Alabama and John Ruckman and his wife Heather of Lawrence, Kansas; seven grandchildren, Carter, Collin, Brenna, Camden, Sophia, Cortlyn, and Spencer. He is also survived by two brothers, Dale Ruckman of Belleville, Illinois and Laverne Ruckman of Xenia, Illinois. He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife, and a brother, Donald Ruckman.
Charles enjoyed woodworking, fishing, gardening and spending time with his children and grandchildren. He was an avid sports fan, enjoying St. Louis Cardinals, KU, and K-State.
The family will greet friends from 4 pm until 6 pm on Friday, March 9, 2018, at Penwell-Gabel Mid-Town Chapel, 10th and Lane, Topeka, Kansas. Additional visitation will be held from 10:00 a.m. to 10:45 a.m. Monday, March 12, 2018, at St. Paul's Lutheran Church in Wheeler, Illinois. Graveside services will be held at 11:15 a.m. Monday, March 12, 2018, in St. Paul's Lutheran Cemetery in Wheeler, Illinois with Rev. Stephen Gillet officiating.
Stewart and Carroll Funeral Home in Paris, Illinois is assisting the family with the local services. Memorial contributions may be made to, Great Lakes Caring Hospice 3715 SW 29th, Suite 100 Topeka, KS 66614.